Beowulf as a Hero In the epic poem “Beowulf” is one of the oldest examples of what society views as a hero. The poem was written in the Anglo Saxons times, in the poem Beowulf is the main character. In this epic poem, Beowulf, written by an unknown author it also embodies the 7 attributes of what is a epic hero, Noble birth, Superhuman Capability, Vast traveler, Unmatch warrior, Cultural Legend, Humility and Battles Supernatural Foes. Beowulf is a perfect example of an epic hero who is a representative of his time because of his superhuman strength, his strong love for the people, his fearless of death, and his ethical personality including his strong moral characteristics common of his time. His pride in his strength is evident when …show more content…
His strength and greatness is unlimited. “The captain of evil discovered himself in a handgrip harder than anything he had ever encountered in any man on the face of the earth. Every bone in his body coiled and recoiled, but he could not escape. He was desperate to flee to his den and hide with the devil's litter, for in all his days he had never been clamped or cornered like this”. (749-756) Beowulf knows that fate is against him, but uses all his might and resourcefulness to fight off the dragon with the last of his strength. Finally, Wiglaf a faithful follower helps Beowulf destroy the dragon. Beowulf is held high as a hero, even after death. Beowulf has or shows no fear when getting rid of the demons that plague the …show more content…
This characteristic comes into play many times, but it is most evident in Beowulf's commitment to fighting Grendel in hand-to-hand combat, rather than using man-made weapons. Beowulf reasons that Grendel does not use weapons, and so he will likewise eschew any armament besides his own strength. Thus, Beowulf shows that he follows a respectable code of honor, extending respect even to monstrous foes. He clearly does not want power, as he initially refuses the throne of his country and only becomes king when it's clear there is no other option. He then goes on to rule for fifty years, and it seems as if the period of his rule is marked by peace and prosperity. "Finally I healed the feud by paying I shipped a treasure to the Wulfings and Ecgtheow acknowledged me with oaths of allegiance." (470-472) As such, Beowulf is epic not only because he is a skilled fighter, but also because he is capable of justly ruling the kingdom entrusted to him. Beowulf frequently references giving glory to "God" or the "Lord" after a victory; the traditionally pagan tale passed down orally was finally written by a Christian monk so the faith in God element was likely added as a means of spreading